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Precision industry cluster

Facts and figures

Leading companies

Technology transfer

Research and development

Education

Official bodies and associations

Networking and fairs

Our services Facts and fi gures: precision industry in Facts and fi gures: precision industry in the Canton of

Swiss precision industry includes machine-building, electrical Precision industry in Switzerland The long tradition in the watchmaking industry has driven forward The Federal Institute of Metrology and the offi cialSwiss Chrono- industry and metal industry (MEM) and the watchmaking industry. know-how used in precision industry work. It is a major advantage meter Testing Institute have their head offi ces in the . Share in Swiss Number of Number of It is characterised by a large number of SMEs that perform at the value added employees companies for the successful development of precision industry in the Canton of The Federation of the Swiss Industry has its head offi ce in top level in the world market. As part of this, nanotechnology is Bern. Many well-known watch manufacturers are benefi ting from the Biel. The Swissmechanic federation, uniting SME employers, profes- opening up new opportunities for traditional microengineering and MEM industry 9 % 358,400 14,500 close proximity of suppliers in the region. The supplier industry has sionals and specialists, has representative sections in Biel and Bern. electrical engineering, and in surface treatments. In Switzerland, Watchmaking 8.5 % 59,100 650 developed strongly and diversifi ed. Its businesses are not only working around 358,000 people work in precision industry and around industry in the watchmaking industry, but also in automotive engineering, med- Precision industry in the Canton of Bern 14,500 companies operate in this area of industry. ical technology, information and communication technology, energy Number of Number of Sources: SwissMem 2015 / Convention patronale 2014 and environmental technology. employees companies The MEM industry makes up Switzerland’s largest industrial sector. It generates 43 % of all Swiss exports. Switzerland ranks eleventh The Bern precision industry is highly export oriented. Over 80% of its MEM industry 44,500 2,000 amongst the major machine-exporting countries in the world. In production is sold abroad. America, Asia, and are major sales Watchmaking industry 11,800 130 many product areas, such as paper processing, tooling machinery, markets. The Bern precision industry works in areas such as textile machinery, print machinery and packaging machines, it is (movements, components and equipment), tooling, robotics, automa- Sources: FSO 2013 / Convention patronale 2014 amongst the world’s leading providers. The Swiss MEM industry tion, apparatus, manufacture of screwing parts, surface treatments, exports primarily to Europe, Asia and North America. In relation to its microelectronics, injection moulding of plastics, and micromechanics. population, Switzerland is regarded as the most industrialized coun- Hansruedi Wandfl uh, president, Wandfl uh AG try in the world. “To manufacture high-precision components and systems you need know-how, spe- The machine-building, electrical and metal industry (MEM) consti- cialist personnel and the right infrastructure. The Canton of Bern and Switzerland tutes the strongest industrial sector in the Canton of Bern. Companies The watchmaking industry has a long tradition in Switzerland. It is provide all of this. Having a place of work where other people come for their holidays such as Tornos, Feintool International Holding AG, Festo Microtechnol- Nicola Thibaudeau, CEO, world leading, particularly in the luxury segment. The watch industry also encourages creativity and motivation.” www.wandfl uh.ch ogy, Harting, Fritz Studer, Mikron Agie Charmilles, Faulhaber Group MPS Micro Precision Systems AG employs about 59,100 people in about 650 companies. The main and Schneider Electric have a presence in the Canton of Bern. “MPS has ideally located business premises in Biel. With a fl oor export destinations are Asia, Europe and America. space of 14,400 m2, the building has high-precision production facilities for profi le The watchmaking industry is represented right across the value added turning and truing. Each year, it produces 40 million balls with a diameter of between Around 95% of Swiss watch manufacturers are based around the chain: R&D, design, production (manufacturers and suppliers) and 0.120 and 1.5 mm. Assembly operations are performed in protected areas and clean foot of the Jura , in the cantons of Bern, , Neu- retail are all to be found in the Canton of Bern. rooms. Development of complex systems is based on ball-bearing technology and on châtel, Jura, and . The watchmaking industry cluster synergies with the Faulhaber Group. The highly motivated and dynamic team com- consists of manufacturers, suppliers, designers, educational and Guillaume de Seynes, president, The Swatch Group has its corporate head offi ce in the Canton of Bern. prises 220 staff members drawn from a region which specializes in microtechnology.” research institutes, together with offi cial bodies and sector-based La Montre Hermès SA It manufactures its , Omega, Rado and Swatch brands in www.mpsag.com associations. The main Swiss watchmaking centers are Biel, Geneva “The extensive know-how in the fi eld of precision engineering, the expertise and the canton. ETA SA, one of the biggest watch movement manufactur- and La Chaux-de-Fonds. quality of the employees, and the presence of local suppliers were the determining ers in the world, has a number of production sites in the Canton of factors in the decision to choose Bienne as our location. Thanks to the ‘Swiss made’ Bern. And the manufacture of watch movements is similarly Around 32% of Swiss expenditure on R&D is contributed by the label and a continually expanding range of mechanical watches the Hermès Group concentrated in the Canton of Bern. MEM industry. Switzerland is home of major research institutes for has seen its international reputation in the watchmaking grow. The site in Bienne precision industry and nanotechnology: the Swiss Center for Elec- today employs about 100 personnel. “ www.hermes.com Research into precision industry in the Canton of Bern is primarily tronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) in Neuchâtel; the Swiss Federal undertaken by the , the Bern University of Applied Heinz Loosli, CEO, Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH); the Swiss Federal Institute of Sciences, the Arc St-Imier University of Applied Sciences, the Swiss Feintool International Holding AG Technology (ETHL), including its center for micronano- Federal Laboratory for Materials Science and Technology in and “The Canton of Bern is home to leading companies in the precision engineering technology; the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) in Neu- industry who have established a successful position for themselves in the global and Technology (EMPA) in Dübendorf and Thun; the Swiss Nanosci- châtel. competition. High capacities for innovation as well as technical expertise are particu- ence Institute in ; the Adolf Merkle Institute in ; the IBM larly required in the manufacture of high-quality products. The Canton of Bern offers research center in Zurich and the Institute in Villigen. international companies stable political conditions, a good infrastructure, skilled em- The Bern University of Applied Sciences ideally combines praxis ployees and a network of cluster organizations.” www.feintool.com and theory in the fi elds of study Mechanical Engineering and Medical Technology.

2 3 Leading companies in the Canton of Bern Technology transfer

Many leading companies in the precision industry have located in the Canton of Bern, Harting AG, Biel particularly highly-specialized SMEs (the list below is a representative selection). Development and production of device con- The Canton of Bern is home to the Precision Cluster, which pro- TT-Novatech nection engineering, electrical and electronic motes networking between companies, technology transfer and TT-Novatech in Saint-Imier/ is an interdisciplinary institute for connectors, network components and manu- higher-level training. The universities provide research services applied research and technology transfer which works in close col- factured cables for networks and machines or for companies to the highest standards. laboration with the Arc University of Applied Sciences. TT-Novatech

www.swatchgroup.com www.rolex.com www.longines.com www.rado.com for power feed and data transfer in factories. fronts projects in the area of applied research and industrial develop- The company also acts as a supplier for The Precision Cluster ment, performs mandates at the request of its economic partners and mechanical and engineering machinery con- The Precision Cluster provides a platform for companies, suppliers proposes support and advice activities. TT-Novatech mainly works struction. www.harting.ch and training and research institutions working in the fi eld of precision and offers its services in the areas of mechanical engineering and ma- engineering and microengineering. Through marketing measures and chine tools, plastics processing, soft mobility, metrology and quality www.swatch.com www.omegawatches.com www.hermes.com events, the Precision Cluster supports customer acquisition and pur- engineering, embedded and electronic systems, imaging and visuali- sues targeted networking. Together with innoBE, it supports compa- sation, as well as new interactive methods. www.tt-novatech.ch Mikron Agie Charmilles SA, nies in their search for business partners. The Precision Cluster oper- A Georg Fischer Group company. Producer of ates on an interdisciplinary basis. As a result, it can generate valuable CTI – The Confederation’s Innovation Promotion Agency Asetronics AG, Bern Advanced Swiss Electronics Feintool AG, milling, eroding and laser ablation machines. It contacts to different enterprises in related or complementary areas. As the Confederation’s promotion agency, the CTI provides fi nancial Developer, manufacturer and tester of multi- World market leader in fi neblanking technolo- develops simple to complex, fully automated The Precision Cluster is working closely together with Micronarc. support for research projects jointly developed by businesses and uni- function circuit boards, electronic assemblies, gy. Full service provider covering the entire solutions and the associated accessories. www.cluster-precision.ch versities, linking up partners from both areas. The CTI supports know- electronic subsystems and electronic prod- fi neblanking process from component design www.gfac.ch innoBE ledge and technology transfer via platforms and networks. Its particular ucts and systems for the “high mix – medium and tool construction to large-scale compo- innoBE works as an intermediary for technology transfer between areas of focus are microengineering and nanotechnology, and the volume” segment. www.asetronics.ch nent production. Business activities include companies and universities. It offers free initial consultancy for start-ups engineering sciences. www.bbt.admin.ch/kti development of peripheral systems and auto- Schaublin Machines SA, and SMEs for company set-up and innovation management. innoBE mation technology. www.feintool.ch Bévilard advises and supports companies in the planning and implementation Bystronic AG, Niederönz Manufacture and development of precision of innovation projects, throughout the entire innovation process. Solutions provider for economical working of machines for turning and milling. Products www.innobe.ch sheet metals and other fl at materials, with Festo Microtechnology AG, include conventional lathes, CNC lathes and Micronarc systems and services for laser and water jet vertical machining centers. www.smsa.ch Micronarc is a Western Swiss cluster for microengineering and nano- cutting and bending. www.bystronic.ch Developer of miniaturised, technically complex technology. It offers its members specialist events, contact brokering components and systems for automation services and trade fair platforms. Core competences for Micronarc engineering. It undertakes precision fi tting of SPT Roth AG, Lyss include close collaboration with the universities – such as the Federal Claudio Penna, president, Precision Cluster Cendres + Métaux SA, Biel actuators and sensors for light assembly ap- Global manufacturer of high-precision minia- Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) – for technology transfer and “The bilingual Precision Cluster forms a powerful network with SME members from Developer and manufacturer of microme- plications. www.festo-microtechnology.ch turised components and tools in metal, plastic R&D. www.micronarc.ch the Cantons of Bern, Solothurn, Jura and Neuchâtel. The cluster identifi es synergy and chanical semi-fi nished and fi nished products and ceramic. It produces mass-manufactured innovation potential that can be converted into commercial success.” in precious metals, alloys and other high-qual- instruments, for example for chip assembly, for University of Bern – Unitectra www.cluster-precision.ch ity materials for the watchmaking and jewel- Güdel AG, the watchmaking and textiles industries and The technology transfer organization Unitectra for the Universities of lery industry, medical technology and dental A specialist in the development and manufac- for microelectronics. www.smallprecisiontools.com Bern and Zurich provides services to support researchers in co-oper- engineering. www.cmsa.ch ture of linear and drive components. The com- ations with private-sector companies and with private and public insti- pany also builds automated production lines tutions. www.unitectra.ch for the automotive industry and plants for the Tornos SA, Moutier DC Swiss SA, aircraft industry, and is involved in robot con- The company manufactures automatic single- Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) Developer and producer of precision tools, struction. www.guedel.com spindle automated lathes, multi-spindle lathes BFH ensures innovation through knowledge and technology transfer. It solutions and systems for thread-cutting tech- and bar loaders controlled by software devel- implements R&D projects with business, provides services (studies, ex- Hubert Droz, director, TT-Novatec nology (cutting, forming, milling), particularly oped in-house. It is a supplier to several in- pert reports, consultancy) for outside bodies, offers systematic support “R&D and the TT activities are vital to companies, even more so for the microtechn- for fi ne-detail components. www.dcswiss.com dustries, including the watchmaking industry for spin-offs and start-ups, encourages qualifi ed junior researchers, and ology industries. The purpose of the TT-Novatech Institute, which is closely associ- and medical technology manufacturers. offers a wide programme of initial and continuing training. ated with the Arc University of Applied Sciences, is to front industrial R&D projects www.tornos.ch www.ti.bfh.ch > Research > Knowledge and Technology Transfer and focus on the TT process, it therefore naturally serves as a node for the Precision Cluster.“ www.tt-novatech.ch

4 5 Research and development Training Offi cial bodies and associations

In the Canton of Bern, it is particularly the processes and methods which contribute to The dual system of training in Switzerland makes it possible to In Bern, companies can get in touch directly and in a non-bureau- University of Bern, the Bern University of improving production processes and working have training closely linked to the actual needs of business. In cratic way with offi cial bodies carrying out regulatory tasks. Applied Sciences (BFH) and the Swiss materials, and to manufacturing innovative addition to the traditional pattern of school-based education and Federal Laboratory for Materials Science products. www.ti.bfh.ch > Research training, many craft-based and industrial employees are being The Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) and Technology (EMPA) in Thun which trained hands-on in practice. Depending on the sector, the practi- METAS realises internationally agreed units of measurement and cali- conduct research in areas relevant to the Swiss Federal Laboratory for Materials Science Lukas Rohr, director, cal element of the training is around 70%, with the underlying brates reference measuring instruments for use in statutory and indus- precision engineering industry. The Swiss and Technology (EMPA) BFH engineering and IT theoretical principles being taught as the other part of the training. trial metrology. It supervises the deployment of measuring instruments Center for Electronics and Microtechnol- EMPA is an interdisciplinary research and ser- “Precise, innovative and reliable – our education and in the fi elds of commerce, traffi c, public safety, health and the environ- ogy (CSEM) in Neuchâtel is the key insti- vices institute for materials sciences and tech- research has its fi nger on the pulse of the economy.” Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH): engineering and IT ment. It makes its services available to research, industry and com- tute in Switzerland in this fi eld. nology development within the ETH domain. www.ti.bfh.ch The BFH engineering and IT department offers bachelors’ and merce, and runs the Swiss Calibration Service (SCS). www.metas.ch EMPA’s research includes work in the fi elds of masters’ courses, together with courses of further training. University of Bern: Physics Institute nanotechnology, energy technology, environ- • Bachelor’s courses in automotive engineering, electrical engineering, Offi cial Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) The Physics Institute comprises three depart- mental engineering, construction engineering mechanical engineering and microengineering As an independent testing institute, the COSC tests chronometers ments – climate and environmental physics, and medical technology. EMPA is currently • Master of Science in Engineering www.ti.bfh.ch manufactured in Switzerland. COSC was founded by the cantons space research and planetary sciences, and developing a laser center for coating technol- of Bern, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Solothurn and Vaud, together with the high-energy physics. Each department is ded- ogies in Thun that is also open to use by in- Arc University of Applied Sciences in Neuchâtel, Delémont, Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. www..ch icated to a separate area of research. The dustry partners and customers, for instance Prof. Dr. Gian-Luca Bona, and St-Imier Laboratory for High-Energy Physics is a mem- for large-surface microstructuring of materials. director, EMPA The Arc University of Applied Sciences offers the following courses: Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) ber of the CERN ATLAS experiment, being www.empa.ch “The innovative materials research and advances in • Bachelor course in Microengineering and Industrial Design The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (Fédération de l’industrie conducted at the European Organization for technology at EMPA contribute to taking the limits of Engineering horlogère suisse FH) has its head offi ce in Biel. The members of the Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva. The Swiss Center for Electronics the precision industry to the boundaries of what is • Master of Science in Engineering FH include 500 Swiss watch manufacturers and suppliers. The FH is a Space Research and Planetary Sciences Divi- and Microtechnology CSEM, Neuchâtel physically possible.” www.empa.ch • Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Watch Design, in Intelligent platform for its members, and it pursues the joint interests of the sector. sion is well known for its international comet CSEM, the most important Swiss establish- Manufacturing Systems and in Rapid Application Development It represents the Swiss watchmaking industry in respect of bodies and research. www.space.unibe.ch ment for microtechnology, works in applied www.he-arc.ch organizations involved in business and standardisation in Switzerland www.climate.unibe.ch research, in product development, prototype Commercial-industrial vocational college Bern and abroad; for example, it is engaged in protecting the industry’s inter- www.lhep.unibe.ch development and small-volume production, GIBB offers courses of training, in subjects such as polymechanics, ests in relation to domestic and foreign legislation. The FH has offi ces and technology consultancy. It conducts R&D electronics and metal construction engineering as well as courses in Hong Kong and Japan. www.fhs.ch Bern University of Applied Sciences: primarily in microtechnology and nanotechnol- leading to professional qualifi cations (commercial or engineering). engineering and information technology (BFH-TI) ogy, microelectronics, system engineering, www.gibb.ch SWISSMEM The BFH engineering and IT department en- microrobotics, photonics and in ICT. CSEM Bern Jura Commercial and Technical College SWISSMEM is a body which brings together the Swiss machine-build- gages in R&D in co-operation with businesses, provides services for customers in industry. In The Bern Jura Commercial College offers courses of training in subjects ing, electrical and metal industries, together with the associated tech- other universities and national and interna- addition, it develops its own commercial ac- such as automation, microengineering, industrial design, electronics, nology-oriented sectors. It represents sectoral concerns to politicians, tional research communities. One particular tivities with existing enterprises and through mechanics, micromechanics and polymechanics. www.ceff.ch national and international organizations, employee representatives and feature is that SMEs lacking an in-house establishing spin-offs and start-ups. the general public. For companies, SWISSMEM offers a wide range of research department are able to convert ideas www.csem.ch Biel-Bienne Vocational Training Center practically oriented services. www.swissmem.ch to innovations, working together with BFH Swiss Foundation for Research The technical college which forms part of the BBZ offers: researchers. BFH engineering and IT is re- in Microtechnology (FSRM) • Courses of training in micromechanics, electronics, microdrawing, SWISSMECHANIC searching in the fi eld of production engineer- FSRM offers consultancy services to compa- watchmaking and applied mechanics SWISSMECHANIC is the independent federation for MEM enterprises. ing at the institutes of mechatronic systems, nies, specialist congresses, and studies and • Courses leading to professional qualifi cations The professional groupings for the mechanical engineering, electrical print engineering, and applied laser, photonics expert reports in microtechnology. It runs the • A course of study qualifying as a technician (HF) in electrical engineering and electronics sectors are affi liated bodies, as are secto- and surface technologies, and at the Bern Micronarc networking organization set up by engineering www.bbz-biel.ch ral and trade organizations for Switzerland. The Bern/Biel SWISS- Institute for Risk and Extreme Events Analysis. the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, MECHANIC section is active in the Canton of Bern. Today it numbers These institutes examine the technologies, Neuchâtel, Vaud and . www.fsrm.ch Interregional Center for Continued Training (CIP) around 80 members. www.swissmechanic.ch In the engineering and training center for the threaded and toothed parts industry in , CIP offers training, technical support and work on customer-specifi c orders. www.cip-tramelan.ch > ctdt 6 7 Networking and trade fairs Our services

SIAMS – the specialist trade fair for microengineering The Bern Economic Development Agency (BEDA) will provide you SIAMS is the microengineering industry’s meeting place for customers, with free support and assistance in your search for a location and for suppliers and manufacturers specializing in quality products. It is held setting up business in the Canton of Bern. every two years in Moutier, in May. Exhibitors at the SIAMS show in- products such as tooling machines, tools, assembly equip- • Conducting individual evaluation visits ment, surface treatment equipment and automation equipment. Exhibi- • Granting tax breaks and other financial benefits tors similarly present supplier industry products based on expert know- • Procurement of grants for research and development activities how, particularly in turned part manufacture, mechanical machining • Support in the search for a location and for procuring and assembly. SIAMS organizes the specialist mediSIAMS trade fair for real estate and land companies working in medical engineering. • Information on and clarification of questions relating to work www.siams.ch and residence permits, social security, building approvals, etc.

The Precision Cluster In order to make your start in the Canton of Bern simple and The Precision Cluster provides a platform for companies, suppliers and straightforward we will provide you with useful contacts for training and research institutions working in the field of precision engi- • government bodies and federal institutions neering and microengineering. Members meet regularly at organized • educational institutions events and for a constructive exchange of ideas. • sector and cluster organizations www.cluster-precision.ch • financial service providers and risk capital • advisors and solicitors Bern Cluster Day • other corporate networks The annual Bern Cluster Day provides an information and networking platform for technology companies in the areas of innovation, know- The BEDA is a one-stop shop for companies wishing to relocate ledge transfer and technology transfer. The Bern Cluster Day is particu- to and expand in the Canton of Bern. larly suitable as a springboard for company co-operations and business opportunities. It is held annually in May. www.berninvest.be.ch/events

Imprint

Editorial Bern Economic Development Agency Published in German, French and English Photographs Fotolia (front page, pages 2–4), BFH (page 5), EMPA (pages 6 and 7), SIAMS (page 8). Münsterplatz 3, CH-3011 Bern Robert--Platz 7, CH-2501 Biel Tel. +41 (0)31 633 41 20 Tel. +41 (0)31 636 04 60 Order from [email protected] Fax +41 (0)31 633 40 88 Fax +41 (0)31 636 04 59 or download from www.berninvest.be.ch [email protected] Reproduction only with written permission. www.berninvest.be.ch Published 2016 Member of Greater Geneva Berne area